World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day

September 28, 2013

Join us in observing World Rabies Day by having your Dachshund vaccinated! Rabies is almost ALWAYS fatal and completely preventable with proper vaccinations from your vet! Racoons, skunks, foxes and bats are generally the main carriers of the disease, but dog bites are definitely one of the ways people attract the disease. I think of rabies in the same way I think of wearing your seat belt. Both are a major risk to your health that can be so easily prevented. Take the time to get your pets vaccinated.. oh, and please wear your seat belt, too!

There are actually things that you can do to make a difference, if you’re interested. My best recommendation would be to call you local dog shelter, or humane society. Ask them if they are aware of World Rabies Day and if they will be doing anything special for the occasion. You could offer to help out at your local humane society vaccine drive. If you’d like to REALLY get involved, the Global Reliance for Rabies Control has more information on that.

What is Rabies?

According the CDC, The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.

Can I do it myself?

Now as anyone knows, I am full of advice on how to save a little money where our pets are concerned. This is NOT one of those areas. No shortcuts, no buying vaccine from local stores and doing it yourself! Go to the vet and have your pets rabies vaccinations taken care of properly. Most states have laws that require it anyway. Here in KY, you may give your own pet a rabies vaccine, but if he bites the milkman, you’re still in big trouble (liable). All jokes aside, the health department would have every right to quarantine your pet (and make you pay for it) for 10 days to rule out Rabies, if your pet has not been properly vaccinated by a licensed Veterinarian. Let’s face it, how would you sleep at night without your doxie by your side?

How much does it cost?

Believe it or not, rabies vaccines are extremely affordable on anyone’s budget. I spent the morning investigating..lol I called 16 vets in both our local area and larger surrounding cities. The average cost of the vet visit and vaccine was between $37-$55. I got my pricing from local vets in Somerset, Lexington, Louisville, Cincinnati, Oh. and Knoxville, Tn.

Do your part to keep your pet and your family safe Rabies. Call your vet today to make sure your pets vaccines are current.